Salmon Carbonara
A luxurious twist on the Italian classic, this recipe features flaky, pan-seared salmon in a rich and creamy carbonara sauce. Made with egg yolks, Parmesan, and starchy pasta water, this elegant dish comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for a sophisticated weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Pasta
- b.Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes).
- c.Just before draining, reserve about 1.5 cups of the starchy pasta water. This is essential for the sauce.
- d.Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Carbonara Base
- b.While the pasta cooks, in a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Salmon
- b.Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with 0.5 tsp of salt.
- c.Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- d.Place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 4-6 minutes, until the skin is golden and crisp.
- e.Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through but still moist. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- f.Remove the salmon from the skillet onto a plate. Using a fork, gently flake it into large, bite-sized pieces.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Create the Sauce
- b.Reduce the heat on the skillet to low. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- c.Add the hot, drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat it in the garlic and residual salmon-infused oil.
- d.CRITICAL STEP: Remove the skillet from the heat completely. Let it cool for a moment.
- e.Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta. Immediately add 1/2 cup of the reserved hot pasta water.
- f.Using tongs, toss the pasta vigorously and continuously. The residual heat from the pasta and the hot water will cook the egg yolks, creating a silky, creamy sauce that coats every strand.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Gently fold in the flaked salmon pieces.
- c.If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- d.Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and the optional lemon juice for brightness.
- e.Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and another crack of black pepper.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The most crucial step is removing the pan from the heat before adding the egg mixture. This prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a creamy sauce.
- 2Use room temperature egg yolks. They emulsify better and are less likely to curdle when they hit the hot pasta.
- 3Don't skimp on the pasta water! It's the key ingredient that helps the fat and cheese emulsify into a smooth, non-greasy sauce.
- 4Freshly grate your Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent the sauce from becoming smooth.
- 5Work quickly once you combine the pasta and egg mixture. Constant tossing is what creates the perfect, creamy emulsion.
Adapt it for your goals.
Ingredient Swap
For a smokier flavor, use hot-smoked salmon flakes instead of pan-seared salmon. Add them at the very end with the parsley.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Sauté some green peas, asparagus tips, or baby spinach with the garlic before adding the pasta for extra nutrients and color.
Different PastaDifferent Pasta
While spaghetti is classic, this sauce also works beautifully with other long pasta shapes like linguine, fettuccine, or bucatini.
Add a KickAdd a Kick
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a gentle background heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Salmon is an excellent source of EPA and DHA, omega-3 fatty acids that are crucial for brain health, reducing inflammation, and supporting a healthy cardiovascular system.
High-Quality Protein Source
Combining salmon and eggs provides a complete protein profile, essential for muscle repair, building lean mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Source of Vitamin D and B12
Both salmon and egg yolks are natural sources of Vitamin D, important for bone health and immune function, and Vitamin B12, which is vital for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Salmon Carbonara contains approximately 800-850 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the exact ingredients used, such as the fat content of the salmon and the type of pasta.